PNC Community Engagement Earns Carnegie Foundation Honors

Westville – Purdue University North Central has been selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its 2010 Community Engagement Classification. PNC is one of 115 institutions added to the Community Engagement Classification, bringing the total number of qualifying colleges and universities to 311.

The Community Engagement Classification recognizes colleges and universities with a dedication to community engagement documented in the institution’s mission and culture, and with the leadership, resources and practices to support dynamic and noteworthy community engagement. Unlike the Foundation’s other classifications that rely on national data, institutions were asked to provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that are not represented in national data.

“Through a classification that acknowledges significant commitment to and demonstration of community engagement, the Foundation encourages colleges and universities to become more deeply engaged, to improve teaching and learning and to generate socially responsive knowledge to benefit communities,” said Carnegie President Anthony Bryk.

This Community Engagement classification is based on voluntary participation by institutions. The Carnegie Foundation cites those institutions where teaching, learning and scholarship engage faculty, students and community in mutually beneficial and respectful collaboration. These interactions are recognized for addressing community-identified needs, deepening students’ civic and academic learning, enhancing community well-being, and enriching the institution.

“Everyone at Purdue North Central – our faculty, staff and students – had a hand in earning this distinction,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “We share a common commitment to community involvement and service learning. Our activities range from individual volunteer events to class or group undertakings and campus-wide events. Being involved in these activities helps to build a commitment to volunteerism and community service in our students that they will build on throughout their lives.”

PNC is now among 11 Indiana institutions earning the Community Engagement Classification. They are: Indiana State University, Indiana University, Indiana University- Purdue University Fort Wayne,

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Purdue University, Purdue University North Central, Saint Mary’s College, Taylor University, University of Indianapolis, University of Notre Dame and University of Southern Indiana.

According to the Carnegie Foundation more than 300 institutions applied for the 2010 Elective Classification, up from 147 in 2008. Of those 300, 115 colleges and universities were selected to receive the classification, including PNC. The institutions selected included 35 research universities, 41 master’s colleges and universities, 25 baccalaureate colleges, 12 community colleges and two specialized institutions. To be selected, institutions had to provide descriptions and examples of institutionalized practices of community engagement that showed alignment among mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices.